Houston Dynamo defender A. J. DeLaGarza (20) gets the ball away from Minnesota United midfielder Kevin Molino (18) while defensing Molino during the first half of a Major League Soccer game at BBVA Compass

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Christian Bolanos (7) controls the ball defended by Houston Dynamo defender A. J. DeLaGarza (20) in the first half during the MLS game between the Houston Dynamo and the Vancouver Whitecaps at BBVA Compass Stadium on Friday, May 12, 2017, in Houston, TX.

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Christian Bolanos (7) controls the ball defended by Houston Dynamo defender A. J. DeLaGarza (20) in the first half during the MLS game between the Houston Dynamo and the Vancouver

A.J. DeLaGarza knows how long it has been since he had surgery to repair the torn ACL in his left knee, but the Dynamo defender said Saturday he does not know how long it will be until he can get back into training.

In fact, DeLaGarza said he is not even thinking about it as the first week of preseason camp winds down this weekend.

“It has been 12 weeks, but there is still a long way to go,” he said. “I’ve come in every day with a positive attitude. I feel like that has shown in the progress of my knee getting better every day.

“I can’t look at this as a 6-9 month window. I have to look at it as a day-to-day thing…For now, I have to come in and grind every day. It is repetitive, but I stay positive. It has been a good three months.”

DeLaGarza suffered the injury without being contacted in the regular season finale in October. No injury has great timing, but it could not have been worse for him or the Dynamo.

DeLaGarza had settled into the starting right back position and missed only four games during the regular season. His veteran leadership played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Not having him left a big hole on the back line.

As a free agent this off-season, the game in which he got injured could have been the last one he played for the Dynamo. When negotiations began, DeLaGarza said, it was clear neither side wanted that to happen.

“From the beginning, the Dynamo wanted me here,” DeLaGarza. “I told them from the beginning I wanted to stay here. It wasn’t about seeking other teams. This was my first option. Thankfully we got a deal done for the both of us.”